The Mucus Plug During Pregnancy – Everything You Need to Know

What is the mucus plug?

The mucus plug is a jelly-like lump of thick mucus that forms in the cervix early in pregnancy. It forms due to the high production of the hormone progesterone by the corpus luteum and later by the placenta. The mucus plug acts as a thick "plug" in the entrance of the uterus, serving as a barrier between the vagina and the uterus. This is the body's way of protecting the fetus from infections and bacteria that could otherwise travel up through the vagina.

Why do you lose your mucus plug?

As the body prepares for labor, the cervix begins to soften, shorten, and open, causing the mucus plug to detach from the cervix. The mucus is then expelled through the vagina. Often, the mucus plug is noticed in your underwear, on toilet paper, or in the toilet after using the bathroom. However, it’s also common not to notice it at all, especially if it comes out gradually and is mistaken for discharge or is flushed down the toilet without being seen.

Tip: Get into the habit of checking the toilet after urinating toward the end of your pregnancy if you want to see the mucus plug.

What does the mucus plug look like?

The appearance of the mucus plug can vary in look, consistency, and color. The mucus plug is usually:

• Clear, slightly white or yellowish, or lightly tinged with blood (light red, brown, or pink)

• Mixed with thin streaks of blood

• Similar in consistency to mucus or jelly and sticky

• About 2 to 5 centimeters long

• About 1 to 2 tablespoons in volume

• Relatively odorless

The mucus plug may come out in one piece or in several parts. It’s common for a small amount of blood to be mixed with the mucus plug. However, if you experience more significant bleeding, always contact your healthcare provider, as it could be a sign of complications.

When do you lose your mucus plug?

For most people, the mucus plug comes out after 37 completed weeks of pregnancy, when the cervix begins to soften and open. Sometimes, the mucus plug may come out after sex or vaginal examinations at the end of pregnancy. It can be a sign that labor is approaching and may start within a few days, though it can sometimes take weeks.

The mucus plug constantly regenerates during pregnancy, so if a small piece comes out weeks before labor, the body will rebuild the mucus plug to maintain its protective function.

In some cases, the mucus plug doesn’t come out until labor begins. When this happens, it’s often during the early stages of contractions.

How long after losing the mucus plug does labor start?

The time from when the mucus plug comes out to the start of labor can vary widely. In some cases, labor begins within hours or days, while in others, it may take several weeks. If your mucus plug has come out, and especially if you're also experiencing cramping, it might be a good idea to prepare for labor to start in the next few days (though it may not happen right away).

The mucus plug is dissolved – could it still be the mucus plug?

Yes! The mucus plug can come out in parts and may be mistaken for slimy or slightly blood-tinged discharge. If you see smaller amounts of mucus that resemble jelly, it could be your mucus plug coming out in smaller pieces.

The mucus plug has come out and I have cramps/period-like pain in the lower abdomen – What does it mean?

Losing the mucus plug along with experiencing cramping or period-like pain is a common sign that labor may be near, possibly within a few days. However, for some, it may still take a few weeks.

Contact your midwife or maternity care provider for a check-up if you experience cramping or period-like pain before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy.

The mucus plug is coming out bit by bit – why is that?

It’s common for the mucus plug to come out in parts. Some people may notice it coming out as a whole lump, while others may find that it gradually comes out in smaller pieces over time. The reasons for this can vary depending on individual differences in how quickly the cervix softens and opens, the pressure and movements in the cervix, or the fact that the mucus plug dissolves or breaks up when it starts to come out.

Can you lose your mucus plug slowly?

Yes, for some, the mucus plug comes out gradually over a longer period, while for others, it comes out all at once.

Mucus plug without blood

It’s just as normal for the mucus plug to come out without blood as it is for it to be slightly blood-tinged. The mucus plug may also be clear, slightly white or yellowish, or light pink.

Mucus plug or discharge – How can you tell the difference?

It’s common to have increased discharge during pregnancy. Discharge is usually thinner and light white or yellow, while parts of the mucus plug are thicker, more jelly-like, and clear, white, or yellowish. The mucus plug can also contain streaks of red, brown, or pink.